Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make?
Christine Luckshila Chelliah is an emerging, award-winning artist living and working in the city of Ryde, Sydney.
She has a unique style and brushstrokes that beautifully depicts the subject, using a blend of impressionism and realism with acrylic paints on stretched canvas.
Many of her works are owned by local businesses, collectors even as far as USA & UK.
What has been the highlight of your creative career so far?
Winning the SAFAL (South Asian Film Arts & Literature festival) art prize last August (2022) with my painting of Ryde Bridge off Paramatta river
Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas? Who or what inspires you?
I look to nature, our beautiful waterways and flora and fauna are my biggest inspiration.
For example, as I walk with my dog along the Paramatta river banks at sunset and see the warm orange and red reflections on the water amongst the shadows cast by the mangroves…priceless.
What is a creative project that you’ve worked on that you’re really proud of? Why?
I have quite a few favourite completed works but my recent project of the solitary Asian elephant calf reminiscing by a river is what I am proud of right now.
One feels his sadness at being kicked out of his matriarchal family to start his own life, and having come to the water hole where he grew up to remember the good old days. It is accentuated by the abandoned village behind him.
What’s the most challenging part of working as an artist / creative?
I would easily say that the amount of time taken to research, find my inspiration and ideas, time required to paint, as well as the cost of paints and equipment is not covered by the sales proceeds of artworks sold, let alone make a living. Consequently, I am not able to paint and work as an artist full time at this stage. I would love to have more exhibitions and get involved in projects in the future.
